Skip to main content

Orzo Carbonara

4.0

(38)

Made with bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese, this resembles the spaghetti dish of the same name.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

6 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 pound orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
5 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Preparation

  1. Cook bacon in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel and drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings from pan. Add butter and cook until butter begins to brown, about 2 minutes; mix in orzo. Add 4 1/2 cups broth; simmer uncovered until orzo is just tender but still firm to bite and broth is absorbed, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add cream; bring to simmer. Mix in cheese and thyme, then bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with additional broth, if desired.

Read More
A fam-favorite, 30-minute dinner we have on repeat.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.
Sticky-sweet mall-style bourbon chicken gets a fall makeover.
The umami-packed pasta you'll be making all season long.
Yes, you can use the pre-cut squash.
Cut steak into cubes and suddenly it transforms into a quick-cooking protein.
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!